Program Analysis
At $36,558/yr, Plant Sciences graduates from Chadron State College land near the $42,710 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
With a 15.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Plant Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
The median debt load of $14,513 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
A #28 ranking among 50 Plant Sciences programs places Chadron State College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
A 29% earnings increase from $36,558 to $47,267 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.